Habits die hard and few we assume that they don’t harm us much. We all are well aware of how alcohol and smoking not only affects our health but also our fertility. But there are many more kickable habits that are equally harmful and have the potential to sabotage our reproductive health.
Before attaining treatment I had left two habits that enhanced my fertility and my live birth rate was much higher in the first attempt of IVF itself. Most of the clinics don’t explain why making necessary changes in our daily lifestyle is important.
But there are a few daily routine habits that have become a regular and inseparable activity for us. These habits are causing more harm as we don’t get to see an immediate impact but in the long run, they have a catastrophic effect.
1. Late – Night Screen time
People have been messing up with the circadian rhythm since the invention of the light bulb. Research shows altering light/dark cycles can affect the fertility of a woman. During the night before going to bed when we expose ourselves to screen time the light that is emitted by phones or television causes hindrance in releasing the optimal amount of Melatonin. This hormone regulates the sleep-wake cycle which is vital to several physiological functions and also affects the quality of the egg produced. It has antioxidant properties that protect the egg from free-radical damage. An inadequate amount of melatonin during pregnancy has been linked to several behavioral disorders like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Autism in young children.
In this era of technology giving up gadgets completely is not feasible but we can avoid it using one hour prior to going to bed. This won’t disturb the rhythm of the light/ dark cycle.
2. Neglecting Dental Problems
We often skip our dental appointments thinking that it’s a small ailment and hardly matters. A study at the University of Western Australia in Perth has found that women with gum problems take two months longer than one who does not have any gum problems. When the immune system attacks periodontitis or inflammation around the tooth, the bacteria, and plaque enter the bloodstream and travel all over the body. Periodontitis is not only linked to miscarriages and premature birth but also several other chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, and respiratory disease. Herndon family dentist has a one-stop solution for all your dental problems. A dental checkup is equally important as any other pregnancy checkup.
3. Skipping Breakfast
Undoubtedly, breakfast is the most important meal of the day for several health benefits. Recently, research showed how a big breakfast diet can help boost fertility in PCOS (Polycystic ovarian syndrome) women. A significant breakfast diet also prevents Type-2 diabetes as well. So next time think twice before you skip your meal.
4. Avoiding Full – Fat Dairy product
In full-fat products, estrogen and progesterone are attached to fat and these hormones are crucial for the reproductive health of women. A large-scale study at Harvard University leads to the book “The Fertility Diet ” which emphasizes that low-fat dairy products cause hindrances in getting pregnant. Estrogen and progesterone are typically removed while skimming off the fat from milk leaving only androgens. Androgens are male hormones that create hindrances in ovulation in the absence of their female counterparts.
5. Don’t forget to take supplements
In spite of the doctor’s prescribed dose of supplements for reproductive treatment, many don’t take it seriously. Usually, Folic acid, a water-soluble vitamin (B9) is prescribed prior to any fertility treatment. Folic acid can’t increase the number of eggs but definitely the quality . Supplements containing Myo-inositol, folic acid, and melatonin have been shown to help improve the quality of eggs and ovarian function.
The above-mentioned habits are definitely not categorized as bad but they are not even good as they don’t benefit you. So bring change to welcome the happiness that you are waiting eagerly for.
Thank you for sharing another wonderful and very informative post Debi .
Wow that was very interesting. I did not know about the dental and the screen time at night issues. Your posts will be so helpful for women struggling to get pregnant
Yes, Arushi . I came to know about this when we went for IVF and I read all possible articles to make it a success. My clinic always emphasized on good sleep when i surfed I stumbled on this valuable info.
Thanks Debi…going to pass this one too to my friend..hope it helps her
Thanks Harjeet, prayers and wishes for her. Hope my article provides her with all info.
Well I assume these habits do no good anyway. So I’m sure they are likely to disturb the fertility cycle.
Great tips Debi, and I agree that healthy lifestyle helps in easy perception. avoiding fat products affect fertilitry hormones..this is something new info to me. thanks for sharing this!
Thanks Surbhi for giving it a meaningful read. Even I knew this partially but when I searched I came across this.
Yet another very informative research based post, very true Debi my Gyanae also told me exactly the same pointers before the start of my prenatal for my second pregnancy.
Yes all of these can really cause hormonal imbalance , also very importantly avoiding processed food helps a lot too in improving fertility among men and women.
It’s important to be aware of how certain lifestyle choices can influence our reproductive wellness. It’s amazing to know that there’s potential links between periodontitis and complications like miscarriages, premature birth. Thanks for this informative post.
Glad that you liked the post. Information is the key at times what we think as trivial do have a major impact.
This is very informative post . I was not aware about the dental and the screen time at night issues.